[Health Tip] Year-Round Flu Alert... "Prevention Through Vaccination Needed"

As the flu epidemic advisory continues for an unprecedentedly long period, medical experts have advised that vaccination is necessary to prevent it.

On the 20th, when free influenza (flu) vaccinations for children, pregnant women, and those aged 65 and over began, a notice announcing the free flu vaccination was posted at a pediatric and adolescent hospital in Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

According to Korea University Anam Hospital on the 23rd, the flu is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection with the influenza virus. Unlike the common cold, its symptoms are much more severe, and in elderly people or those with underlying conditions, it can even lead to death.

In particular, this year, the flu epidemic advisory has not been lifted since September last year and has continued throughout the entire year. This is the first time since 2000 that the advisory has lasted all year round. The hospital explained that since there has been no flu epidemic in recent years, there is concern about the spread of the influenza virus within the community. The incidence of flu decreased due to widespread mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but as we enter the endemic phase (periodic outbreak of infectious diseases), the flu is resurging.

The flu initially presents with systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle pain. Subsequently, respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and sore throat appear, and some people experience a burning chest pain with every cough or severe eye pain causing tears.

When diagnosed with the flu, both medication and symptomatic treatment are necessary. This is because there is still no effective drug to treat the influenza virus. The treatment principle is to alleviate symptoms with antipyretics and other medications, get sufficient rest, and wait for natural recovery. However, if symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain occur, or if high fever persists for more than 3 to 4 days, complications such as pneumonia or myocardial infarction may develop, so a specialist’s examination is required.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Since it takes about two weeks for antibodies to form after receiving the flu vaccine, it is best to get vaccinated in the fall before the full flu season begins.

In particular, it is recommended that people aged 65 and older with weakened immune function, children aged 6 months to 59 months, pregnant women, patients with chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, and others receive the vaccination before the influenza epidemic period. This is because their immunity is lowered or they have underlying diseases, increasing the likelihood of complications.

Professor Han Byung-deok of the Department of Family Medicine at Korea University Anam Hospital advised, "Since the virus can enter the body through respiratory droplets, it is important to avoid crowded places, wash hands and feet thoroughly, and brush teeth after going out, following basic hygiene rules well. Since 80% of people vaccinated have preventive effects, it is advisable to reduce risk through vaccination."

Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency started the national influenza vaccination program on the 20th to prevent the flu.

Professor Han Byung-deok, Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital.
[Photo by Korea University Anam Hospital]

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